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BATU PAHAT – Police arrested three men to assist with investigations into the discovery of a man’s body wrapped and bound in netting at Sungai Tanjung Sembrong, Parit Raja, here, on Monday.
Johor deputy police chief Deputy Commissioner Hoo Chuan Huat said police received information regarding the discovery from members of the public at around 12.30pm.
He said initial investigations revealed the victim’s hands and feet were bound with adhesive tape, with visible injury marks on his waist and arms. The body was also found wrapped and tied with netting.
"Further checks revealed that a police report had been lodged by a local woman at 10.09pm on July 29 regarding her missing husband in Mutiara Rini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
"The case was initially classified as an enquiry paper for a missing person," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that based on preliminary identification by next-of-kin, the body was confirmed to be the missing individual, identified through his clothing and personal belongings found at the scene.
Acting on information, a team from the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) Crime Investigation Department and the Batu Pahat District Police Headquarters (IPD) arrested three local men aged between 26 and 40 around the Batu Pahat area.
"Background checks showed that two of the suspects have prior criminal and drug-related records.
"Police also seized five mobile phones belonging to the suspects," he added.
Hoo said the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
"A remand order under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code has been granted for all suspects for seven days until Aug 10," he said.
He noted that the motive for the crime remains under investigation, though police do not rule out the possibility that the murder was linked to debt.
"Members of the public are advised not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the case that could jeopardise police investigations," he said.
Earlier, a video went viral on social media showing residents discovering the body, which they initially mistook for a farm animal, before notifying the police for further action.